Why in News?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned two of the Indian Navy’s advanced Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Him-giri, at the Eastern Naval Command base.
UPSC Relevance
UPSC frequently asks questions about latest developments in defence technology.
PYQ
2022
Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?
(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.
INS Udaygiri
- Part of Project 17A: INS Udaygiri is the second of seven stealth frigates being built under Project 17A, also known as the Nilgiri-class. This project is a follow-on to the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates, with significant improvements in design, stealth, and technology.
- Built in India: The frigate was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, showcasing India’s growing shipbuilding prowess. It holds the distinction of being the fastest ship in its class to be delivered post-launch, thanks to modular construction techniques.
- Indigenous Design: A major milestone, INS Udaygiri is the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau. This highlights decades of experience and a commitment to self-reliance in warship design and construction.
- Advanced Features: The ship incorporates a range of modern technologies, including a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system for high performance, an Integrated Platform Management System, and a suite of advanced weapons and sensors, many of which are indigenously developed. It is designed for multi-mission roles, including anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
- Enhanced Stealth: The frigate features a sleeker hull form and a reduced radar cross-section, making it harder to detect by enemy radar. It is designed to operate in a “blue water” environment, capable of handling both conventional and non-conventional threats.
- Twin Commissioning: INS Udaygiri was commissioned on August 26, 2025, alongside its sister ship, INS Himgiri. This was a historic first for the Indian Navy, as it marked the simultaneous commissioning of two major warships from two different shipyards (MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers).
- Legacy Name: The name “Udaygiri” revives the legacy of an earlier INS Udaygiri (F35), a Nilgiri-class frigate that served the Indian Navy for over three decades from 1976 to 2007.
- Indigenous Content: With about 75% indigenous content, the project aligns with the Indian government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) vision for defense manufacturing. The construction involved over 200 domestic MSMEs, creating thousands of jobs.
- Armament: The frigate is equipped with a powerful arsenal, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm naval gun, and various close-in weapon systems. It also has the capacity to carry two helicopters.
Read more : INS Himgiri and Project 17 A
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